Warfare in News

Posted on Wednesday 21st March

Two Royal Navy servicemen are to recreate the 1916 journey of Britain's greatest polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and his successful attempt to save his stranded trans-Antarctic expedition.

No-one has successfully recreated the entire rescue mission – when Sir Ernest took his whaler, the James Caird, from Elephant Island to South Georgia and struggled across the mountains to raise the alarm – yet.

Next January, Royal Navy duo Warrant Officer Barry 'Baz' Gray of the Royal Marines and Royal Naval Petty Officer Seb Coulthard – along with four fellow volunteers – will guide an exact replica of the James Caird, the lifeboat from Shackleton's ship Endurance, across 800 miles (1,300 kilometres) of violent ocean from Antarctica to South Georgia – before crossing 20 miles (32 kilometres) of the rugged, remote island to reach the former whaling station at Stromness.

The Shackleton Epic Expedition has the backing of the explorer's granddaughter, Alexandra, who is also the expedition's patron. and the new boat's namesake.

Further Reading

Only £35.00

Ordeal By Ice

(Hardback - 560 pages)

Surrounded by hazardous seas and pitiless ice, Antarctica was first sighted by Europeans less than three centuries ago. Since then, hundreds of ships have voyaged around that continent, challenged by poorly charted waters, storms, pack ice, icebergs and disease. This comprehensive and richly illustrated book tells the story of these ships and the expeditions they supported, from the fifteenth-century fleets of the Ming Emperors of China to today's tourist ships and powerful icebrakers. … Read more...

Sign In

Dates in History

WWII: Victory for RAF in Battle of Britain

15th September 1940

RAF Fighter Command is claiming victory over the Luftwaffe after a day of heavy bombing raids ended in big losses for the enemy.
According to the RAF, 176 enemy aircraft were destroyed by fighter planes. At least another nine aircraft were hit by anti-aircraft guns.
British casualties were much lighter - only 25 aircraft lost with 13 pilots killed or missing.

Further Reading

High above the warm, summer fields Churchill's 'few' fought with courage & skill against overwhelming odds - and won. A vivid account of the air battles as well as an explanation of how the campaign developed. Fresh insights into the controversies with the aid of original material as well as… Read more at Pen & Sword...